2. What Is Cam?
• A cam is a device which convert rotary motion
into linear motion or vice-versa.
• A cam mechanism usually consists of two
moving elements, the cam and the follower,
mounted on a fixed frame.
3. Cam Mechanisms
Necessary elements of a cam mechanisms are:
• A driver member known as the Cam.
• A driven member called the Follower.
• A frame which supports the cam and guide
the follower.
4. Types Of Cams
There are many types of Cams. But some of
them are given below:
1. Plate cam.
2. Face cam.
3. Cylindrical cam
5. Types Of Cam
Plate cam:
Sometimes called a disc, radial or edge cam.
Made up of a flat plate or disc with an edge
profile to transmit motion.
Face cam:
In its flat surface, this rotary cam has a groove
cut within follower riding on the face of a disk.
It’s motion parallel to the axis of cam.
6. Types Of Cam
Cylindrical cam:
Sometimes called a barrel cam. It’s curved surface has a groove
machined, within which a follower is contained. Cam profile rotates the
follower moves upwards. When follower reaches the top, the cam
rotates in the opposite direction and moves back down.
7. Types Of Followers
There are different types of followers but they
all slide or roll on the edge of the cam. Various
types are shown below:
• Flat Follower.
• Point/Knife Follower.
• Roller Follower.
• Offset Follower.
9. Cam Profiles
Cams can be shaped in any number of ways and this is determined by the
way the follower is to move. The shape of the cam is called the PROFILE.
Examples of various cam profiles can be seen below.
Pear Shaped Cam.
Circular Shaped Cam.
Heart Shaped Cam.
Drop Shaped Cam.
13. Uses Of Cam:
It is used in cars.
It is specially used in loom machine.
Double overhead cams control the opening and
closing of a cylinder's valves
14. Advantages
o Easily designed to coordinate large
numbers of input/output motion requirements.
o Occupy less space.
o Expensive to produce.
o Easy to obtain dynamic balance.
